Service time has been at the heart of ongoing negotiations between MLB and the players union, specifically what would happen in the event that the 2020 season is cancelled. A shortened season is easy, since service can be credited in relation to the number of days actually played, but players would like to receive credit for a full season if no games are played. Owners had initially preferred that no time be granted, or that any credit be based on a set of stipulations.
While both sides remain hopeful for baseball’s return as early as June and would like to squeeze in as many games as possible, the dynamic situation requires that all contingencies be addressed.